Abstract:
Abstract
Background: As volume has increased in the Emergency Department (ED), it has led to an increase in total length of ED stay. A frequent cause for delay in the ED is CT scan having prolonged turnaround times (TAT).
Local Problem: In 2019, patients in a 50 bed ED at a Level II trauma center were not meeting the TAT goals leading to prolonged ED visits, prolonged waiting for patients, and reduced patient satisfaction.
Methods: A retrospective study design was adopted for this study. Quantitative data will include descriptive statistics for analysis.
Interventions: During January, two weeks of testing was spent exploring the impact point of care testing (POCT) Creatinine had on CT with contrast TATs. The third week was spent adding a dedicated CT/ED transporter during high volume times. For the final trial, additional CT technicians were added to the staffing matrix during high volume times.
Results: The TATs improved. The POCT Creatinine testing has been added as standard procedure for CTs with contrast, and CT has gained dedicated transport as a result of this project.
Conclusions: Through trials, data collection and meetings with stakeholders the efficiency CT scans for patients in the ED was able to be improved. This will improve ED throughput, reduces cost and improves the opportunity for additional revenue as efficiency improves.
Improving ED Throughput by Decreasing ED/CT Turnaround Times
Abstract
Background: As volume has increased in the Emergency Department (ED), it has led to an increase in total length of ED stay. A frequent cause for delay in the ED is CT scan having prolonged turnaround times (TAT).
Local Problem: In 2019, patients in a 50 bed ED at a Level II trauma center were not meeting the TAT goals leading to prolonged ED visits, prolonged waiting for patients, and reduced patient satisfaction.
Methods: A retrospective study design was adopted for this study. Quantitative data will include descriptive statistics for analysis.
Interventions: During January, two weeks of testing was spent exploring the impact point of care testing (POCT) Creatinine had on CT with contrast TATs. The third week was spent adding a dedicated CT/ED transporter during high volume times. For the final trial, additional CT technicians were added to the staffing matrix during high volume times.
Results: The TATs improved. The POCT Creatinine testing has been added as standard procedure for CTs with contrast, and CT has gained dedicated transport as a result of this project.
Conclusions: Through trials, data collection and meetings with stakeholders the efficiency CT scans for patients in the ED was able to be improved. This will improve ED throughput, reduces cost and improves the opportunity for additional revenue as efficiency improves.
